Comment on FR Doc # 2012-25893

I used this option once in all my 15 years of Federal Service. The investigation should start with the Fed Traveler System we must use when we enter our hotel information. My agency recommended the hotel I stay in the Travel Orders. I called to book the Government rate and was able to obtain a reservation at the Government rate. I was informed by my Travel Clerk, I had to book the reservation through Fed Traveler and when I did the rate exceeded the Government lodging rate. I stayed two additional days at this same hotel taking personal time and I used Travelocity and was able to get my personal rate significantly below the Government rate and stayed in the very same room. I used no traveler discounts for my personal stay.
I can also say the plane fairs we have to pay using the Fed Traveler System to book flights is what should be investigated in order to save large amounts for travel. The rates for air fare are astronomical using Fed Traveler in comparison to what I can book the same flights for using Travelocity or other private companies. I realize there are contract flights and ability to cancel without penalty but the cost of those flights are still extremely expensive compared to what I could obtain the flight for outside that of Fed Traveler.